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United States Tower of Power has been recognized for its R&B and funk music, performing since 1968 and collaborating with numerous artists.
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Request A ShowTower of Power was released from their San Francisco label contract and moved to Warner Bros. Records. Rick Stevens replaced Rufus Miller as lead singer on 1972's Bump City, which gave the band their first national exposure.
Mentioned in the context of Williams going on to a high-profile solo career in the '70s, working with Warner Bros., Motown and other major labels.
Tower's horn section appeared on recordings for Aerosmith.
Tower's horn section appeared on recordings for Santana.
Tower's horn section appeared on recordings for Eric Clapton.
Tower's horn section appeared on recordings for Stevie Nicks.
Tower's horn section appeared on recordings for Elton John.
Tower's horn section appeared on recordings for Bonnie Raitt.
The horn section also recorded with bassist Larry Graham's Graham Central Station.
The horn section recorded with Grateful Dead.
The horn section recorded with Journey.
The horn section recorded with KMFDM.
The horn section recorded two songs on Phish's album 'Hoist'.
The horn section recorded with Toto.
In 2011, Time Life released TOP's November 10, 1973 Soul Train performance of "What is Hip?" on the CD The Best of Soul Train Live.
Tower of Power, an American R&B and funk band with a prominent horn section, originated in Oakland, California, and began performing in 1968. The band was co-founded by tenor saxophonist and vocalist Emilio Castillo and baritone saxophonist Stephen “Doc” Kupka. Initially known as The Motowns, the group started playing gigs in Oakland and Berkeley, developing a following from diverse communities. They later changed their name to Tower of Power to perform at Bill Graham’s Fillmore Auditorium.
In 1970, Tower of Power signed with San Francisco Records, releasing their debut album, “East Bay Grease.” The band’s lineup shifted, with Rufus Miller on lead vocals. They later moved to Warner Bros. Records, achieving national recognition with “Bump City” in 1972, featuring Rick Stevens on lead vocals. This album included their hit single “You’re Still a Young Man,” which reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their self-titled third album in 1973 featured Lenny Williams on lead vocals and Lenny Pickett on lead tenor saxophone, producing their most successful single, “So Very Hard to Go,” which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout their career, Tower of Power has had eight songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including “What Is Hip?” and “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream).” The band’s horn section has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, such as Aerosmith, Santana, Eric Clapton, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, and Bonnie Raitt, contributing their distinctive sound to various recordings. In 2017, long-time drummer David Garibaldi and bassist Marc Van Wageningen were involved in a train accident but made full recoveries and returned to performing.
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